Indigenous knowledge of climate change impacts and adaptation |
The forum is being undertaken in the framework of the LINKS Programme, which provides a focus for work with indigenous peoples and their knowledge. Founded on the notion that sophisticated knowledge of the natural world is not the preserve solely of scientists, LINKS aims to strengthen the impact of the knowledge, skills and philosophies of indigenous peoples in areas such as biodiversity conservation, climate change monitoring and adaptation, and natural disaster preparedness and response.
Another focus of the Programme is to aid in safeguarding the transmission of indigenous knowledge between elders and youth, as this may be compromised by formal educational regimes that are increasingly prevalent in indigenous communities and yet, almost without exception, exclude local languages and understandings. LINKS therefore explores ways of including indigenous knowledge in classroom settings, and renewing ties with knowledgeable elders in the community. For example, LINKS is currently pilot testing curriculum resource materials that will support classroom use of the multimedia CD-ROM ‘The Canoe Is the People: Indigenous Navigation in the Pacific’, which is based on Pacific Islander knowledge. LINKS is also working with the Mayangna People of the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve in Nicaragua, to document their knowledge of the aquatic environment. A publication based on this work will soon be published in both the Mayangna and Spanish languages. The publication can serve to introduce indigenous knowledge and concepts into formal schooling processes taking place in and around the reserve.
Related links:
:: On the frontlines of Climate Change - global forum
:: UNESCO's Links Programme (LINKS)
UNESCO SC
07-08-2009
Auto-archiving date | 06-08-2009 |